Guyana’s focus on rehabilitation enables lowest recidivism rate in CARICOM

At 14 per cent, Guyana holds the lowest repeat offending rate in CARICOM compared to Barbados (60 per cent), Trinidad and Tobago (50 per cent), and Suriname (46 per cent).
This was spotlighted on Episode 7 of the Safeguarding Our Nation series, which outlined how the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has repositioned rehabilitation at the centre of its operations.
The achievement highlights a major transformation in the country’s prison system, driven by record investments and a decisive shift toward rehabilitation and reintegration.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, said rehabilitation is no longer an add-on, but the core mission of the prison service.
“We expose prisoners to several training programmes such as carpentry, joinery, and masonry. These programmes are facilitated by qualified facilitators, and the programmes are accredited. 28 billion Guyana dollars has been invested into the prison service,” he said.
Elliot noted that the investment has covered prison infrastructure, staff development, and certified rehabilitation programmes.
“The Guyana Prison Service is working with the Ministry of Labour to address prisoners who may want to be a part of the job bank and the labour market. We have the Guyana Police Force who is working on the social prevention programmes. The ministry of Human Services has a number of social programmes and this by itself will help us reduce the level of recidivism within the Guyana Prison Service,” Elliot said.
Over 820 inmates completed certified skills training last year in areas like masonry, agriculture, welding, and tailoring. They now receive professional counselling, including therapy for substance abuse and anger management.
Many inmates are also working on public-private projects, earning stipends and even sending money home.
And through the Fresh Start Initiative, more than 50 ex-prisoners have launched small businesses with help from business toolkits and mentorship.
Elliot said overcrowding has also reduced significantly, noting that as of July 2025, the national prison population stood at 2,239 — a three per cent decrease compared to July 2024.